Dean of Workforce Education and Community Learning

We offer an opportunity to…

Provide strategic leadership for workforce and community education that expands opportunity for students, strengthens regional employers, and supports the long-term prosperity of the diverse communities throughout the Columbia Gorge.

Columbia Gorge Community College seeks a collaborative, innovative, and community-minded leader to serve as the Dean of Workforce Education and Community Learning (WECL). Reporting directly to the Vice President of Instructional Services, the Dean provides leadership for non-credit Community Education and Customized Training, Title 1B/Workforce Development and Engagement, and credit-bearing Career and Technical Education programs in Advanced Manufacturing and Fabrication, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Construction Technology, Electro-Mechanical Technology, and Integrated Agricultural Science and Technology.

This position is responsible for creating, assessing, and continuously improving the policies, processes, and partnerships necessary to deliver high-quality community and workforce education that responds to the evolving needs of students, employers, and the region. The Dean works closely with faculty, staff, employers, school districts, workforce agencies, community organizations, and other partners to strengthen educational pathways that prepare learners for meaningful careers and life-long learning.

The successful candidate will be a thoughtful leader who enjoys building relationships, solving problems, using data to inform decisions, and helping others succeed. They will balance strategic thinking with operational excellence while advancing the College's Mission, Vision, and Strategic Priorities.

Who we are…

Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) is a comprehensive community college dedicated to serving the diverse communities of the Columbia Gorge. We believe education transforms lives, strengthens communities, and creates opportunity.

We strive to create an environment where students and employees from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives feel welcomed, supported, and able to thrive. We recognize that educational opportunity has not always been equally available to everyone, and we are committed to identifying and removing barriers to student success while fostering a culture of belonging.

Mission

Columbia Gorge Community College ensures equitable access to education, empowers all students through learning, and fosters inclusive prosperity throughout our region.

Vision

At Columbia Gorge Community College, we envision a college that:

• Promotes innovation and excellence
• Commits to equity and inclusion
• Fosters belonging

Strategic Priorities

• Ensuring equitable access to education
• Advancing equitable student learning and success
• Fostering economic growth, inclusive prosperity, and a thriving community

Guiding Principles

Open and Honest Communication • Respect • Collaboration • Integrity • Equity and Inclusion

Where we are…

Columbia Gorge Community College serves communities across north-central Oregon and south-central Washington. Our main campus is located in The Dalles, Oregon, with an additional campus in Hood River.

We acknowledge that the College is located on the ancestral homelands of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation and neighboring Tribal communities whose enduring connection to the Columbia River continues today.

What the area offers…

The Columbia River Gorge offers an exceptional quality of life. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, forests, orchards, and vineyards, the region is nationally recognized for its natural beauty and year-round outdoor recreation.

The Gorge is also a dynamic economic region. Agriculture, health care, advanced manufacturing, aviation, technology, renewable energy, and hospitality all contribute to a growing and diverse economy. Employers across these industries rely on Columbia Gorge Community College to help prepare a skilled workforce, creating unique opportunities for innovation and partnership.

Located just over an hour from Portland, the Gorge offers the advantages of a close-knit community with convenient access to a major metropolitan area and international travel.

What you will do…

As Dean of Workforce Education and Community Learning, you will:

Lead people and programs

• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring for faculty, staff, and instructors.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.
• Support continuous improvement in teaching, learning, and student success.

Expand educational opportunity

• Develop and strengthen community and workforce education programs that respond to community and industry needs.
• Create innovative pathways that connect non-credit, credit, apprenticeships, and short-term credentials.
• Work collaboratively with faculty to expand opportunities for adult learners and support lifelong learning and successful transitions into employment.

Build partnerships

• Develop strong relationships with employers, school districts, workforce agencies, Tribal governments, community organizations, and economic development partners.
• Identify emerging workforce needs and translate them into high-quality educational programming.
• Represent the College throughout the region as a trusted educational partner.

Steward resources

• Develop and manage departmental budgets.
• Oversee grants and other external funding sources while ensuring responsible stewardship and regulatory compliance.
• Help identify new opportunities to strengthen programs and sustain long-term growth.

Use evidence to improve results

• Use enrollment, completion, labor market, financial, and student success data to guide planning and decision-making.
• Evaluate programs and implement improvements that strengthen student outcomes and organizational effectiveness.
• Lead strategic initiatives that advance the College's mission and priorities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What you bring…

Successful candidates will demonstrate many of the following:

• A commitment to expanding educational opportunity and supporting student success.
• Experience building productive relationships across organizations and communities.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• The ability to guide teams through change while maintaining a collaborative and respectful workplace.
• Experience using data to inform decisions and improve organizational performance.
• Sound judgment, integrity, and the ability to balance strategic priorities with day-to-day operations.
• An understanding of the important role community colleges play in strengthening individuals, employers, and communities.

Experience working with diverse communities and creating inclusive learning and workplace environments is highly valued.

Minimum Qualifications

Required

• Master's degree from an accredited institution.
• Three years of progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education, workforce development, adult education, or a closely related field.

Preferred

• Teaching experience in Career and Technical Education or workforce education.
• Experience leading community college workforce or continuing education programs.
• Familiarity with state and federal workforce funding, grants, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience working with labor market information to guide program development.
• Experience supporting apprenticeships, customized training, or employer partnerships.
• Bilingual or biliterate in Spanish.

Studies have shown that women and people from historically underrepresented backgrounds are less likely to apply for positions unless they meet every listed qualification. We are interested in finding the person who will be most successful in this role and encourage you to apply even if your experience does not align perfectly with every preferred qualification.

Open until filled. An initial review of applications begins September 14, 2026.

Starting salary is based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Please include a resume, and letter of interest with your application materials